Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Beginning Thursday, July 10
Community foundation offers grants
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF), an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted between now and Aug. 15 at arcf.org/givingtree. Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses, according to a news release.
Friday, July 11
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Live@5: Platinum Hitz set at ASC
Platinum Hitz performs during the Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. July 11 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “The band will bring a blend of solid, soulful and bluesy sound,” according to the release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Branson trip set to see ‘David’
Women of Faith will charter a bus to Branson, Mo., July 11 to see the live performance of “David” on the Sight & Sound Theatre stage. Men, women, couples and children (accompanied by an adult) are encouraged to attend. This is a turnaround trip with transportation and reserved seating included in the cost of the ticket, according to a news release. For details or ticket information contact Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.
Through Friday, July 11
CrEATe Lab Camp set at ASC
The ARTx3 Campus will host CrEATe Lab Camp from 2-4 p.m. weekdays, July 7-11, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “The camp, for ages 12-17, is a nutritious, hands-on cooking program in which students learn food preparation skills,” according to a news release. Topics including gardening, food careers and community service are also covered. Faith Anaya instructs the camp. The cost is $110 for ARTx3 members and $140 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available for anyone who applies, regardless of income. Register at artx3.org/all-events/create-lab-camp or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.
Beginning Friday, July 11
New Community holds VBS
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will conduct Vacation Bible School at 6 p.m. July 11 for children and adults at the church and the theme will be “In and Out.” A movie and other activities will be provided for children and adults will be taught a class by the pastor/apostle, Patrick Lockett. On July 12, the session will be held for children at Morgan Farms, 8305 Old Warren Road, where fishing and other activities will be held.
UAPB plans new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will kick off new student orientation (NSO) sessions Friday to welcome the fall 2025 class. The sessions include lunch and optional tours. All activities will take place in Henderson-Young Hall, according to a news release. The NSO sessions will include July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, and Aug. 20 (during Welcome Week). Each NSO date will include a Meet the Campus Team and Meet Your Academic Advisor session, covering what to expect, new student basics, and class schedules, as well as a Q&A session with campus administrators. Basic Academic Services will advise students with fewer than 30 college credit hours. Students with 30 or more credit hours will be advised by their academic department/major advisor. NSO is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students must be fully admitted to register for the orientation. To register, visit UAPB.edu or call the admission office, (870) 575-8492. For details, email rigginsc@uapb.edu or call (870) 575-8732.
Saturday, July 12
Pilgrim to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St,, will be open from 8-9:30 a.m. July 12 or until all the food has been given away. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must bring photo ID. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to the release.
St. Andrew sets community day
St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, 5810 Malcomb St., invites everyone to its Community, Family and Friends Day on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, games, cake walk, a bouncey house, and other activities, according to a news release. The Rev. Richard Hart is the pastor of St. Andrew church.
City to host dump day
The city of Pine Bluff will hold a free dump day to discard various items. The event will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at Hestand Stadium. Residents may bring appliances, couches, desks, filing cabinets, nightstands, shelving, bookcases, recliners, headboards, box springs, carpet, shelves, and changing tables, according to the city’s Facebook page. The event won’t accept electronics, medical waste, hazardous waste, dead animals, contractor material or trash.
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need July 12 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
Canaan hosts Meeting of the Mountains
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, invites the community to join their apostle, Craig Banks, along with a panel of guests for the Meeting of the Mountain Conference at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12. Guest speakers will be John Delaware, an apostle of Royal Priesthood Ministries of Little Rock; Terry Simmons, an apostle of House of Prayer for All Nations of Springfield, Ill.; Jessica Yarbrough, a pastor of Abundant Life Ministries of El Dorado; and Roslyn Burks-Adams, an elder of Canaan Christian Center. Registration is $20. For details and to register, visit https://www.ccctr.org/event or call the church office at (870) 534-7378.
Beginning Saturday, July 12
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, July 13
Church to observe Vaughns’ 105th birthday
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host the 105th birthday celebration of their deacon, Thomas F. Vaughns, at 2 p.m. July 13 in the church fellowship hall. Vaughns is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a veteran of the Korean War, was a county extension agent, and horticulture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for 14 years, according to a news release.
Historical Society to meet
The Jefferson County Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. July 13 at the Lakeside United Methodist Church Center at 15th and Laurel Street. The speaker for the meeting will be Kathleen Majewska, who will discuss the historic Saenger Theatre. Majewska is the founder of the Pine Bluff Film Festival, and was recently hired as the director and consultant of the Saenger Theatre restoration project. Also during the meeting, an election will be held to fill two board member positions. The public is invited to attend, according to a news release.
Beginning Sunday, July 13
Barraque hosts FRANgelism
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., is hosting “FRANgelism” throughout July. “Simply put, FRANgelism is evangelism to our Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors,” according to a news release. Each Sunday, invitations are extended to family, friends and colleagues to attend worship at 11 a.m. All are welcomed to attend FRANgelism. The schedule includes: July 13 — Relatives of the church; July 20 — Associates; July 27 — Neighbors. The Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is the pastor.
Tuesday, July 15
Third Ward meeting set
The Third Ward Community Watch will meet at 6 p.m. July 15 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Area residents are asked to come out and be a part of this group. Evelyn Bass is the president, according to a news release.
Trinity Village sets luncheon
Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will hold a salad luncheon and silent auction at the Lodge Great Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15. Proceeds will go toward improvements in Trinity’s medical center. Admission is by donation, according to the flier.
Thursday, July 17
SOAR plans Murry’s roast/toast
Ernie Murry, executive director of SOAR (Students of Achievement & Responsibility), and a former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star, will be the honoree at a roast and toast at 6 p.m. July 17 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The special guest will be former University of Arkansas Coach Nolan Richardson. The SOAR board invites the community to attend. Tables for eight people are $1,500, which include a VIP reception. Individual tickets are $100. All proceeds will benefit the SOAR Program. The title sponsor is Simmons Bank. The convention center has a clear bag policy, according to a news release. Details: Ernie Murry at (870) 329-2926 or erniemurry8@gmail.com or Anita Smith at (870) 592-2795 or asmith.soar@gmail.com.
Christian Women set luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. The speaker will be Sandy Moore of Independence, Kan., and her topic will be “My Journal, His Story.” The special feature will also be Moore with “Junk Journaling” and she will sing. The Women’s Connection luncheon costs $20 and includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. All participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations and/or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Rotary to host Hooten’s
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff’s program will be Hooten’s Arkansas Football at 11:30 a.m. July 17 at Pine Bluff Country Club. The luncheon will be presented by Barry Grooms of Hooten’s Arkansas Football, according to a news release. “We are extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in Southeast Arkansas, so you will not only have the opportunity to hear comments from Arkansas’ premier football authority, you can also visit with coaches and key players from football programs in Southeast Arkansas — all in the same room at the same time. And eat well,” according to the release. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Beginning Thursday, July 17
Theater Production: ‘Memphis’ set at ASC
ARTx3 will present the musical “Memphis” at 7 p.m. July 17-19; and 3 p.m. July 20. Performances are in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “Memphis” is sponsored by Simmons Bank. “A Tony Award-winning musical inspired by true events, ‘Memphis’ is set in the 1950s underground dance clubs of Memphis, Tenn.,” according to the release. “It follows a daring white radio DJ (played by Will Parkman) and a talented Black club singer (played by Pashu’ar Grissom), both striving for stardom. Together, they break cultural boundaries and spark a revolution as rock ‘n’ roll takes over. With electrifying music, unforgettable songs, and heart-pounding choreography, ‘Memphis’ will have you dancing in your seat and jumping with excitement from start to finish.” Tickets are available at artx3.org/all-events/memphis-musical, by calling (870) 536-3375, or in person. They are $20 for ARTx3 members and $25 for nonmembers. Student tickets may be purchased in person for $10 with a student ID. Taijee Bunch directs, with musical direction by La’Leata May, choreography by Miles Meckling and stage management by Jeran Collie. Music is by David Bryan. Lyrics are by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The book is by Joe DiPietro.
Friday, July 18
ASC hosts Movement and Agility
The ARTx3 Campus will host a Movement and Agility workshop from 11 a.m. to noon July 18 in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Designed for women 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence. Exercise therapist Lauren Robertson of Kingdom Wellness 360 instructs. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. Participants should register by July 14 at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-july-2025. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, July 19
COED Church Kickball Tournament set
COED Church, in collaboration with Redirecting Paths, will host a community kickball tournament beginning at 9 a.m. July 19 at Regional Park. The tournament is designed to bring area churches together for a day of fellowship and faith. “Churches of all sizes, from youth groups and young adults to adult ministries are invited to form coed teams and join us for an uplifting day of friendly competition and spiritual unity,” according to a news release. Teams must be coed, a minimum of eight players, maximum of 10, and at least four males and four females per team. The registration deadline is July 12. The event is free. For details, team registration, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Redirectingpaths@gmail.com or Torey Foote at (501) 799-3836.
Beginning Monday, July 21
St. John plans Vacation Bible School
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will conduct its annual Vacation Bible School from 5-8 p.m. July 21-25. The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the pastor. VBS is for chilren 3 years and older and for adults. This annual Christian education program is offered to St. John’s members and the public. The theme will be “Growing with Jesus: The Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23.) There will be lessons, role-playing, games, crafts, movies and songs. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is open until July 18. Participants may register on the St. John AME Church Pine Bluff’s Facebook page or by using this link: https://forms.gle/XGTwJi9FR4GwuYBr7
Wednesday, July 23
UAM sets educator workshop
The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources will host a Project Learning Tree professional development workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 23. “Explore Your Environment,” is a workshop that offers interactive opportunities for both formal and informal educators to deepen their understanding of nature and environmental education, according to a news release. Participants will receive PLT’s Explore Your Environment: K–8 Activity Guide, which includes 50 hands-on lessons covering topics such as forests, wildlife, water, energy, climate science and more. The cost to attend is $10, payable on the day of the workshop by cash or credit card. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch. To register, email Traci Rushing at trushing@uada.edu and include your name and phone number. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Thursday, July 24
Career fair set in White Hall
The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County will host a Manufacturing Made Easy Career Fair. The career fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free for job seekers. Participating companies include Arkansas Mill Supply, Central Moloney Inc., Suzano, and The Strong Co. Inc., according to a flier. Organizers are still accepting registrations from companies. Details: Felicia Wall, (870) 535-0110 or www.jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Saturday, July 26
1st Ward pantry sets gala
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present its third annual Black Tie Fundraiser at 7 p.m. July 26 at Sahara Temple, 820 S. Main St. Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the pantry’s mission of feeding those in need. This year the honoree is Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. Each year, First Ward Living Grace hosts the gala in honor of a community member who has been instrumental in supporting the pantry, according to director Debra Allen. Tickets are $75 each. Tables are $675 and sits eight people. Sponsors’ names will be on the tables as well as the program. For tickets or details, contact Mae Washington at (870) 489-2376 or Dr. Arlene Woody, (870) 329-3473.
Through Thursday, July 31
Registry seeks state women artists
The Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA) is accepting applications for its biennial Juried Artist Registry of Arkansas women artists. The application is available on the ACNMWA website at www.acnmwa.org/programs/juried-artist-registry. The deadline to apply is July 31 and there is a $20 entry fee. The application is open to all artists who are residents of Arkansas at the time of application. The registry will be featured on the ACNWMA website from October 2025 to October 2027, according to a news release.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 8
Dollarway ’75 Class sets reunion
The Dollarway High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50th class reunion and all members are encouraged to participate. Aug. 8 — the meet n’ greet will be held from 5-10 p.m. at the John W. Fallis Waterfront Facility in Pine Bluff Regional Park. T-shirts will be distributed during the meet n’ greet and members are urged to place T-shirt orders now. The meet n’ greet is for adults only, according to a news release.Aug. 9 — The class picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the waterfront facility in Regional Park. The grill master will be Dollarway’s own William “Bill” Sprinkle. Ages 5 and younger can attend free. Aug. 9 — DHS Class of 1975 Prom/Banquet will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the waterfront facility, for adults only. The dress code is semi-formal and colors are red, white and black. Aug. 10 — The church fellowship will be 10 a.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St., where Elder Roosevelt Brown is the pastor. Joyce C. Williams Brown is the reunion facilitator. Details: (870) 692-2543.
Friday, Aug. 29
Alumni offer scholarships
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter is offering scholarships. The deadline to apply is Aug. 29. The chapter will hold its 2025 scholarship gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund, according to a news release. The scholarships are available only to students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50. Eight scholarships of $1,000 per award will be presented. Submit your application to walkert@uapb.edu or deliver in person to: Dr. Tanya S. Walker, Scholarship Chairperson, UAPB – Corbin Hall Office 100. Details: Tanya Walker, (870) 575-8718; Chapter President Mary Liddell, (870) 643-2383.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Taste of PB, business pitch event set
The 1899 Project will present the Taste of Pine Bluff and $10,000 Pitch Competition from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Get ready for an unforgettable night of flavor, innovation and community unity,” according to a news release on Stuff in The Bluff.com. There will be sample dishes from Pine Bluff’s food vendors, entertainment, and networking opportunities. The event is is free and open to the general public. To attend, see details on Eventbrite. Sponsors include U.S. Bank, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, Sept. 12
UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter’s 2025 Scholarship Gala will be held Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The center has a clear bag policy, according to the news release. The theme of the gala is Journey of Knowledge: Empowering Minds, Igniting Futures. This event will recognize some outstanding community partners while the proceeds will reward some deserving University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students (including 2025 graduates of Jefferson County high schools,) according to a news release. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 per table. Tickets may be purchased from 3-5 p.m. July 2 in the UAPB Football Stadium breezeway or during the chapter meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. July 8 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Contact the following for tickets, to submit print ready ads for the souvenir booklet, payments and donations: Shannon Hendrix (870) 718-3472 or (870) 692-3099. Checks are payable to PBJC UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter, P.O. Box 9288, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611. All monies for tickets and ads are due by Aug. 15.